Big Wild Goose Pagoda & Great Tang All Day Mall — Complete Guide to Xi'an's Most Atmospheric Evening Destination

The Pagoda and Temple: A Thousand Years of History

The Big Wild Goose Pagoda (大雁塔 / Dayan Ta) is Xi'an's most iconic landmark after the Terracotta Warriors. Built in 652 AD during the Tang Dynasty, this seven-story brick pagoda has stood for over 1,300 years, surviving earthquakes, wars, and the passage of dynasties.

**The Story of Xuanzang** The pagoda was built to house Buddhist scriptures and relics brought back from India by the monk Xuanzang. His 17-year journey to India and back inspired the classic Chinese novel "Journey to the West" (and its countless adaptations, including the character of the Monkey King). The pagoda was originally five stories, then rebuilt to seven after an earthquake.

**Da Ci'en Temple (大慈恩寺)** The pagoda sits within the grounds of Da Ci'en Temple, a working Buddhist temple complex. The temple was built by Emperor Gaozong in memory of his mother, Empress Wende. Today it's a peaceful oasis with gardens, halls, and active Buddhist practice.

**Inside the Pagoda** Climbing the pagoda costs an additional 30 RMB. The interior is modest — narrow wooden stairs, small windows at each level, and a view from the top that's partially obstructed by modern buildings. Is it worth climbing? If you're short on time, enjoy it from the outside. If you have time and want the full experience, the climb is part of the pilgrimage.

**The Architecture** The pagoda is a masterpiece of Tang Dynasty brickwork. At 64.5 meters tall, it was one of the tallest structures in the world when built. The simple, elegant lines and lack of ornamentation are characteristic of Tang aesthetics — confident and understated.

Great Tang All Day Mall: Where Xi'an Comes Alive at Night

South of the pagoda stretches the Great Tang All Day Mall (大唐不夜城 / Datang Buyecheng), a 2-kilometer pedestrian boulevard that transforms into one of China's most spectacular night scenes. Despite the word "mall" in the name, this is not a shopping center — it's an open-air cultural street that celebrates Tang Dynasty heritage.

**The Atmosphere** As the sun sets, the street comes alive with thousands of red lanterns, illuminated Tang-style buildings, and street performers in period costume. The atmosphere is festive, almost magical — like stepping back into the Tang Dynasty when Xi'an (then called Chang'an) was the largest city in the world.

**What You'll See** - **Tang-Style Architecture:** Buildings designed to evoke the grandeur of Tang Dynasty Chang'an - **Street Performances:** Music, dance, poetry recitation, and theatrical performances throughout the evening - **Sculptures and Art:** Large-scale sculptures depicting Tang Dynasty life and culture - **The Crowd:** Locals and tourists alike, dressed in hanfu (traditional Chinese clothing), taking photos and enjoying the atmosphere

**The Best Time to Visit** Arrive about 30 minutes before sunset. This gives you time to explore the pagoda and temple in daylight, then experience the transition as the lights come on and the street transforms. The illumination typically starts around 6:30 PM in summer, earlier in winter.

**Photography** This is one of the most photogenic spots in Xi'an. The combination of ancient architecture, modern lighting, and the festive atmosphere creates endless photo opportunities. The pagoda makes a dramatic backdrop, especially when reflected in the surrounding pools.

North Square Fountain Show: Asia's Largest Musical Fountain

On the north side of the pagoda is the Big Wild Goose Pagoda North Square, home to the largest musical fountain in Asia. It's a spectacle that draws crowds every evening.

**The Show** The fountain covers an area of 168,000 square meters — roughly the size of 30 football fields. Over 1,000 nozzles shoot water up to 60 meters in the air, synchronized with music and lights. The pagoda provides a stunning backdrop.

**Show Times** - **Daytime:** 12:00 PM (short show, less crowded) - **Evening:** Multiple shows starting around 8:00 PM (times vary by season)

The evening shows are the main event — longer, more elaborate, and with full lighting effects.

**Getting a Good View** The square gets packed for evening shows. Arrive 30-45 minutes early to secure a good spot. The area closest to the pagoda (south end of the fountain) offers the best photos with the pagoda in the background.

**Is It Worth It?** The fountain show is undeniably kitschy — think Las Vegas meets ancient China. But it's also genuinely impressive in scale, and the atmosphere of the crowd enjoying the spectacle is part of the experience. If you're in the area in the evening, it's worth catching at least part of a show.

Planning Your Visit: Timing and Logistics

Here's how to structure a visit to get the most out of the Big Wild Goose Pagoda area.

**The Perfect Afternoon-Evening Itinerary**

*3:00 PM:* Arrive at Da Ci'en Temple. Explore the temple grounds and pagoda in the afternoon light.

*4:30 PM:* Visit the Shaanxi History Museum (if you have a reservation) — it's nearby and pairs well with this area.

*5:30 PM:* Return to the pagoda area. Find dinner at one of the restaurants around the square.

*6:30 PM:* As the sun sets, walk south toward the Great Tang All Day Mall. Watch the lights come on.

*7:30 PM:* Explore the illuminated mall area, catch street performances, and take photos.

*8:30 PM:* Head to North Square for the fountain show.

*9:30 PM:* End your evening with a drink or dessert at one of the cafes overlooking the square.

**Getting There** - **Metro:** Line 3 or 4 to Dayanta Station (大雁塔站) — exits directly into the square - **Bus:** Multiple bus lines stop at the pagoda - **Taxi/DiDi:** Ask for "Dayan Ta" (大雁塔) — every driver knows it

**Best Seasons** - **Spring (March-May):** Pleasant temperatures, beautiful gardens - **Autumn (September-November):** Clear skies, comfortable evenings - **Summer:** Hot during the day, but the evening atmosphere is wonderful - **Winter:** Cold, but the lights and decorations are especially festive around Chinese New Year

Nearby Attractions and Combinations

The Big Wild Goose Pagoda area is the center of Xi'an's southern district, with several other attractions within easy walking distance.

**Shaanxi History Museum** One of China's best museums, just 15 minutes' walk east of the pagoda. Free entry but requires advance reservation. See Tang Dynasty treasures, ancient bronzes, and exquisite ceramics. Plan 2-3 hours.

**Tang Paradise (大唐芙蓉园)** A Tang Dynasty-themed cultural park about 10 minutes' walk southeast. Beautiful gardens, evening performances, and stunning night illumination. Entry is 120 RMB.

**Qujiang Pool Park** A large park south of Tang Paradise with a lake, walking paths, and pleasant scenery. Free entry. Good for a morning walk or picnic.

**Tang West Market (大唐西市)** A reconstructed Tang Dynasty market area with shops, restaurants, and a museum. About 20 minutes' walk west. Less touristy than the pagoda area.

**Xingqing Palace Park** The site of a Tang Dynasty imperial palace, now a public park. About 30 minutes' walk northeast. Locals practice tai chi here in the mornings.

**Food Options** The area around the pagoda has plenty of restaurants, but many are tourist-oriented. For better food, walk 10-15 minutes in any direction away from the main square, or take the metro to nearby neighborhoods.